Dear Editor,
I think that the government is making a serious mistake. It is one that is inimical to its thrusts in the areas of codes of conduct, zero tolerance, and the reach for high ethical standards and plateaus. Here is one supporting story.
A highly qualified man, a quiet patriot and friend resident in this country offers the vast repertoire of his training, skills, experience, and wisdom to the government. There are no takers. It does not matter that his offer is pro bono, there is no interest. Perhaps, it is because of this that there is scant interest. It is troubling. I know of others, who have made similar pro bono offers with the same result. For me, it is always a special pleasure (albeit a rare one) to discover another Guyanese for whom mammon is not god. I continue.
While the President exhorts members of the diaspora to return and serve here in these cosmopolitan hinterlands, there are some already here, who are ready to serve free. Absolutely free, and that is the only string attached. And yet there is no interest. What is the problem? I have a few thoughts.
Fear, uneasiness, and lack of control are what come to mind. I expand. There could be fear as to what the newcomers would see and hear and learn. There might be uneasiness that these idealistic ones would be too straight-laced and holier than thou. In other words, since they want nothing, they would not like skeletons and subterfuges; and they may just be too sharp for their own good, and discomfiting in their mere presence. I know, as I had encountered the same fear and uneasiness with local civil society bulwarks when my hand was raised.
Additionally, when men make it clear upfront that compensation is a non-starter, that could be worrying, and sends a loud signal. It is that such men are not easily managed, cannot be controlled or easily manoeuvred. They will call things as they see it; have little patience for fools; rock the boat; and smash icons. They will not stand nonsense from anyone. Perhaps, this is the greatest concern of all.
I believe there are large grains of truth embedded in all of the foregoing, given the bland disinterest. I think that President Granger does himself, his vision, and his government an injustice, each time a well-qualified patriot steps forward freely and for free, but is locked out. This is what this country needs: not more money-oriented men, not more power-driven parties, but more altruistic individuals of the highest calibre and unquestionable principles.
These are the same few persons who wish to contribute; they wish to see this country work and function at a higher level. They stand ready to do their part. It is why I venture to suggest that it is a colossal error to utter ringing appeals for more hands on deck in the first instance; and then ignore and shut the door on those who really care, in the next.
This much should be made clear: positions and pay scales have neither value nor interest for a handful of Guyanese, myself included, who have made their mark and score elsewhere. This might be difficult to digest for jaded cynical citizens. But it is what it is, and not subject to change. Disbelieving Guyanese need to appreciate one last thing: for some of us, there can be no other way. There is no price tag; and sometimes to beholders that might just be too costly and too unaffordable for the powers that be.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
